5 Ways to Check that Your Dust/Mist Respirator is NIOSH Certified

In workplaces throughout the U.S., an estimated 5 million workers are required to wear respirators to protect against hazardous elements such as dust particulates, gases, and vapors that may cause health risks. These health issues can involve lung impairment, disease, and in the worst cases, cancer and death. Because a worker's health is heavily dependent on the proper functioning of respirators, there is a growing concern over the purchase and use of counterfeit and altered respirators that have been infiltrating the market in recent years. OSHA permits only NIOSH-certified respirators to be used to protect workers. Here are ways you can check to be sure that you have a NIOSH tested and certified respirator:

• Look for the NIOSH name or logo on the respirator;
• Check for the NIOSH filter classification (i.e. N95);
• Examine the respirator for the TC (Test and Certification) approval number;
• Also look for the Approval Holder's business name (typically the manufacturer), registered trademark, or an easily understood abbreviation;
• Finally, check for the model or part numbers; as well as the manufacturing lot number.

For more information, go to the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/disp_part/respsource3.html.